The Story
We wish to educate people in the skills and cultural practices that they need in order to be able to thrive in harmony with the natural world and with the human community at the same time. We recognize and strive to mirror the interwoven-ness of nature, spirit, and culture.
We are particularly inspired by models of holistic, project-based learning, where everything a child is learning is clearly related to everything else and brought to consciousness within a relational context.
Our Director & Lead Teacher, Kelly McMenimen, started offering her own nature connection programs for children in 2011. She was overjoyed to midwife Forest Friends into being, with the support of Vilda as a sister organization.
We engage young children in ways that will quicken and protect the sense of wonder that they naturally have for the world. We help guide children into deep understandings of natural science while also cultivating their imagination and intuition. We are committed to helping them develop strength of will through engaging them in a variety of purposeful and meaningful work activities. We are kindness keepers and we facilitate the development of reverence for life and empathy for others.
